Staying Active - Carrie Schaeser

Carrie Schaeser, 91, a resident at Riverside Convalescent Center, Smithfield, believes that keeping active is the secret for living a long life.

"I take interest in most anything," Schaeser says. "I love to keep busy."

She likes to participate in activities that are provided for residents at the center.

Schaeser recently won a spelling bee the center holds monthly for its residents.

"I won three prizes," she says. "I was so happy. I couldn't believe that I won."

Schaeser likes to attend the current-events sessions, where an employee at the center reads the newspaper out loud for the residents.

"I like to keep informed on what's going on in the world," she says. "They really do a great job reading the newspaper."

She goes on day trips that are planned through the center and she attends devotions every day.

"There is always something going on here," she says. "I enjoy living here."

Occupation: I used to work as a real estate agent while I was living in California. I had always been interested in real estate, so I went to a business college for one year and went into the business.

Hometown: I was raised in Rescue.

Motto: Live each day to the fullest.

Favorite cause: Smithfield Chapter of the Eastern Star. I was a charter member. I joined the club about 1946. I'm also a member of The American Legion.

Hobbies: Playing cards and dancing. I love to dance. Waltzes are my favorite. I started dancing when I was around 14. I still go dancing when I get the chance.

Food: I love seafood. I was raised on it.

Vacations: I really enjoy traveling. My sister and I visited 20 foreign countries. I was only 19 at the time. I've also been to Alaska and my husband and I visited Hawaii several times.